STEPHENVILLE, Texas — Tarleton State University and Tech Fort Worth have signed a memorandum of understanding and will partner to place students in start-up technology companies. The internship will immerse the students in experiential learning, including discovery, research development and commercialization.

“This is an incredible opportunity for our students,” said Dr. Rupa Iyer, Tarleton’s Vice President for Research, Innovation and Economic Development. “The program offers the opportunity to gain real world experience and help foster an entrepreneurial mindset.” 

Up to five students funded by the Division of Research, Innovation and Economic Development will be matched with TechFW acceleration clients to complete a 100-hour internship. 

“We are huge fans of experiential learning at TechFW,” said Hayden Blackburn, TechFW Executive Director, “and we’re excited to partner with Tarleton State University to build a pathway for experiences that will expose, educate and inspire students with an entrepreneurial mindset on the ins and outs of bringing ideas to market that will improve lives.

“Experience in and around start-up operations, including the research and development of new technologies, exposes students to a wide array of skills and attributes that drive the development of new ventures. We believe that no matter what path they take post-graduation, the experiences and skills gained as interns in start-ups will aid them in thinking creatively and make them stronger leaders and better team members.”

TechFW is a nonprofit organization that has helped entrepreneurs launch and grow emerging technology companies since 1998. The company identifies entrepreneurs and start-up companies with technologies that have a high potential for success in the marketplace. 

A founding member of The Texas A&M System, Tarleton State is breaking records — in enrollment, research, scholarship, athletics, philanthropy and engagement — while transforming the lives of nearly 17,000 students in Stephenville, Fort Worth, Waco, Bryan and online. True to Tarleton’s values of excellence, integrity and respect, academic programs emphasize real world learning and address regional, state and national needs.